North Korea tests missiles suitable for very large warheads
The South Korean army raised doubts about this. It was likely a "lie" from the North, stated the General Staff. The test of the rocket apparently failed in an early stage of flight. The trajectory suggested its explosion in the air, possibly debris fell on North Korea.
According to KCNA, the rocket is to be tested again in July, "to test the flight characteristics, accuracy, and explosive power of the large combat head at a medium range of 250 kilometers." Experts believe that the rocket could be armed with atomic warheads. As it is capable of carrying "an atomic warhead, it can be considered as an atomic weapon," said Hong Min from the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul to the news agency AFP.
The rocket tests took place after North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un criticized joint military exercises of South Korea, Japan, and the USA as "Asian version of NATO" and threatened with "fatal consequences." The relations between Pyongyang and Seoul are at a low point, and the North continues to conduct weapons tests. South Korea is also concerned about the deepening relationship between the internationally isolated North Korea and Russia.
KCNA announced plans for another rocket test in July, aiming to evaluate the flight characteristics, accuracy, and explosive power of its medium-range missile. Despite the recent failed test, expert Hong Min from the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul believes the rocket is capable of carrying atomic warheads, making it an atomic weapon. Amidst escalating tensions, South Korea remains wary of North Korea's continued weapons tests and growing alliance with Russia.
